Tanaka TBC-340PF Owner's Manual - Page 10

2. Warnings and safety instructions 8 Operator safety • Always wear a safety face shield or goggles. • Always wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair so it is above shoulder length. • Do not operate that tool when you are tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication. • Never let a child or inexperienced person operate the machine. • Wear hearing protection. • Never start or run the engine inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. • Keep handles free of oil and fuel. • Keep hands away from cutting equipment. • Do not grab or hold the unit by the cutting equipment. • When the unit is turned off, make sure the cutting attachment has stopped before the unit is set down. • When operation is prolonged, take a break from time to time so that you may avoid possible whitefinger disease which is caused by vibration. Tool safety • Inspect the entire tool before each use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks and make sure all fasteners are in place and securely fastened. • Replace parts that are cracked, chipped or damaged in any way before using the tool. • Make sure the safety guard is properly attached. • Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments. • Use only accessories as recommended for this tools by the manufacturer. n WARNING! Never modify the tool in any way. Do not use your cutting tool for any job except that for which it is intended. Fuel safety NOTE! • Empty the fuel tank before storing the tool. Especially, in case of over three month storage, it is a must otherwise fuel may corrode causing carburetor damage. It is recommended that the fuel be emptied after each use. If fuel is left in the tank, store so fuel will not leak. • Mix and pour fuel outdoors and where there are no sparks or flames. • Use a container approved for fuel. • Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the tool or while using the tool. • Wipe up all fuel spills before starting engine. • Move at least 3 m away from fueling site before starting engine. • Stop engine before removing fuel cap. • Store tool and fuel in area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc. Cutting safety • Do not cut any material other than grass and brush. • Inspect the area to be cut before each use. Remove objects which can be thrown or become entangled. • For respiratory protection, wear an aerosol protection mask when cutting the grass after insecticide is scattered. • Keep others including children, animals, bystanders and helpers outside the 15 m hazard zone. Stop the engine immediately if you are approached. • Always keep the engine on the right side of your body. • Hold the tool firmly with both hands. • Keep firm footing and balance. Do not over-reach. • Keep all parts of your body away from the muffler and cutting attachment when the engine is running. • Keep cutting attachment below waist level. Maintenance safety • Maintain the tool according to recommended procedures. • Disconnect the spark plug before performing maintenance except for carburetor adjustments. • Keep others away when making carburetor adjustments. • Use only genuine replacement parts as recommended by the manufacturer. Transport and storage • Carry the tool by hand with the engine stopped and the muffler away from your body. • Allow the engine to cool, empty the fuel tank, and secure the tool before storing or transporting in a vehicle. • Empty the fuel tank before storing the tool. It is recommended that the fuel be emptied after each use. If fuel is left in the tank, store so fuel will not leak. • Store tool out of the reach of children. • Clean the unit carefully and store it in a dry place. • Make sure engine switch is off when transporting or storing. • When transporting in a vehicle, cover blade with blade cover. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, take care and have a good judgement. Contact your dealer if you need assistance. Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words: n WARNING! Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or loss of life, if instructions are not followed. CAUTION! Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment damage, if instructions are not followed. /-\ WARNING! Antivibration systems do not guarantee that you will not sustain whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, continual and regular users should monitor closely the condition of their hands and fingers. If any of the above symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately. NOTE! Helpful information for correct function and use. CAUTION! Do not disassemble the recoil starter. You may get a possibility of personal injury with recoil spring. 3